The Most Memorable Music Moments in TV This Year So Far

15 Most Memorable Music Moments in TV This Year So Far

Television is the perfect outlet to witness your favorite musical acts grab some much-deserved air time. This year was certainly eventful in that respect, with a number of award shows and specialty programming showcasing incredible performances and moments that simply couldn’t be captured in a song on the radio.
As the year winds down, we highlight 15 memorable music moments in TV that people will be talking about for years to come. From Justin Timberlake’s stunning performance at the MTV Video Music Awards to Neil Patrick Harris wowing us at the Tony Awards, these are the musical moments that defined 2013.

1. Beyoncé Performs for the Super Bowl Halftime Show

The Super Bowl Halftime Show has become synonymous for being extravagant, an event that arguably rivals the Super Bowl itself. Beyoncé’s appearance at this year’s show may have been the best yet, as her 14-minute performance delivered in every way possible. From “Crazy in Love” to “Halo,” she performed a medley of records from her catalog with style and grace, rarely missing a note while hitting every dance move onstage. Beyoncé even brought out former Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams to join her in performing “Bootylicious,” “Independent Women Part 1” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” Add in grandiose fireworks as well as an elaborate stage and lighting setup, and Beyoncé’s performance was an incredible moment that millions of Americans will remember years from now.
Click here to watch Beyoncé perform for the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

The Grammy Awards are the perfect time to celebrate the stars of today and likewise pay tribute to the influential artists who paved the way for them. That was the case at this year’s Grammys, where a number of esteemed artists took the stage to honor the late-great Bob Marley. Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Sting, as well as Marley’s sons Ziggy and Damian we’re all present to celebrate Bob’s contributions to music as they performed his 1980 record “Could You Be Loved.” Ziggy and Rihanna playfully went back and forth for the first verse while Damian turned up the reggae flair for his part. By song’s end it was clear the crowd loved every second of the performance.
Click here to watch Bruno Mars, Rihanna and more pay tribute to Bob Marley at the Grammy Awards.

3. Kanye West Performs “Black Skinhead” on Saturday Night Live

Information was very sparse leading up to the release of Kanye West’s album Yeezus, until the Chicago rapper appeared on Saturday Night Live in late May to perform “New Slaves” and “Black Skinhead” from his sixth solo project. While both songs were aggressive in nature, it was “Black Skinhead” that caught a lot of attention for its pulsing drum pattern and distorted melody. Dressed in all black, West put on an intense performance as he screamed at the top of his lungs while subliminal messages flickered in the background. For anyone who second guessed Kanye’s ability to expand his sound, this was a thrilling wake up call.
Watch Kanye West’s live performance of “Black Skinhead” on SNL above.

Charlie Wilson may not the be the biggest household name for Generation Y, but the 60-year-old R&B singer has established an illustrious career that spans four decades and countless hit singles as a solo artist and a member of The Gap Band to boot. This all culminated in June when Wilson received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards. Fittingly, the honorary singer took to the stage to perform a medley of songs alongside collaborators Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake. The vibrant performance was the clear highlight of the BET Awards, with Charlie Wilson showing why he’s still a crooning force to be reckoned with onstage.
Click here to watch Charlie Wilson’s performance at the BET Awards.

5. Neil Patrick Harris’ Opening Performance at the Tony Awards

Ever since a teenage Neil Patrick Harris impressed viewers as the star of Doogie Howser, M.D. in the late 1980s, it was clear that he was born to entertain, whether that be on the big screen, small screen or on a stage. For his fourth time in five years hosting the Tony Awards, Harris surely outdid himself this year with his opening number. The seven-minute performance highlighted his multitalented background as he sang, danced, played guitar and performed an illusion that caught audience members by surprise. Dare we say it: This was a Tony Award-winning performance from the 40-year-old actor.
Click here to watch Neil Patrick Harris perform at the Tony Awards.

Performing a cover of a song is a difficult task to undertake considering the ridicule and disappointment that comes if the rendition is done poorly. With that in mind, Little Big Town put their reputation on the line during this year’s CMT Music Awards where they performed Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 record “The Chain.” Not only did they cover the song with amazing execution, they brought the classic song new life. Their remarkable performance also included a killer guitar solo from seasoned artist Keith Urban, who rose from underneath the stage like he was ready to conquer the world. Little Big Town certainly set the bar here for other artists that plan on covering songs on live television.
Click here to watch Little Big Town and Keith Urban perform “The Chain” at the CMT Music Awards.

7. Paramore Perform “Still Into You” at Teen Choice Awards

The Teen Choice Awards may cater more toward pop acts like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and One Direction, but the show this year became a full-on rock concert when Paramore hit the stage to perform their single “Still Into You.” Sporting a cute orange bob cut, lead vocalist Hayley Williams pulled the audience members in with her radiant stage presence, even doing a jig during the song’s bridge. Paramore would go on to win the Best Rock Group award, and rightfully so given their notable performance here.
Click here to watch Paramore perform “Still Into You” at the Teen Choice Awards.

Justin Timberlake has already had an impressive 2013 with two chart-topping albums in The 20/20 Experience and The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2, as well as a highly successful headlining tour with rapper Jay Z. At this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, the 32-year-old singer added to his accolades as he was awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Before receiving the award from an ecstatic Jimmy Fallon, Timberlake put on a performance of a lifetime. Opening with “Take Back the Night,” Timberlake ran through a number of his biggest hits including “SexyBack,” “My Love,” “Cry Me a River,” and “Mirrors.” He was a class act throughout the 15-minute performance, hitting every vocal note and dance move while the crowd watched in awe. If anyone were to hold the title of “The King of Pop” in 2013, it would be Justin Timberlake.
Click here to watch Justin Timberlake perform at the MTV Video Music Awards.

9. ‘N Sync Reunite at MTV Video Music Awards and Perform

Justin Timberlake’s amazing performance at the MTV Video Music Awards can’t be discussed without also mentioning the onstage reunion of ‘N Sync. One of the biggest boy bands in pop history at the turn of the century, the group performed a medley of songs including “Gone,” “Bye Bye Bye,” and “Girlfriend.” While the performance looks to be a one-off moment for ‘N Sync, who also reunited for the first time in a decade, it was still great to see them recapture the flare that melted hearts in the past.
Click here to watch ‘N Sync perform at the MTV Video Music Awards.

10. The Weeknd Performs “Pretty” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The Weeknd did a remarkable job early on in his career keeping a low profile as an artist. The mysteriousness of his motives and music made for a compelling storyline for fans that hung on his every word. However, this past year the 23-year-old singer from Toronto, Canada began to break out of his private shell, first by gracing the cover of Complex Magazine and soon after embarking on a national tour to promote his debut studio album Kiss Land. During the early stages of the tour The Weeknd went on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform his new single “Pretty.” His performance on the late-night show marked his first television appearance, which is incredible to think about considering he’s been one of pop’s most in-demand artists over the last few years. The packed crowd present at the Sony Outdoor Stage soaked in his emotional lyrics, where many also captured the memorable performance from The Weeknd on their phones.
Watch The Weeknd perform “Pretty” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! here.

11. Lorde Performs “Royals” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

While Lorde’s hit single “Royals” is highlighted by a teenage narrative that mocks the lavish lifestyle of stars, it’s clear the 16-year-old singer from New Zealand was born for the spotlight. Lorde proved this notion to be true when she appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to perform “Royals,” which recently hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was her U.S. television debut, and she handled herself with a charming poise that felt like she had done this a hundred times before. There was nothing flashy about her appearance as she wore a plain white dress and a few sizable rings on her fingers, but the impressive performance captivated the audience from beginning to end.
Click here to watch Lorde perform “Royals on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

An apparent feud occurred online between Kanye West and Jimmy Kimmel when the late-night comedy show host spoofed an interview of the Chicago rapper with BBC Radio 1’s Zane Lowe. After finding out about the video spoof, West sent out a number of comments on Twitter insulting Kimmel, who responded with more jokes that only fueled the flame. A few weeks later West appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to settle his dispute with the show’s host. West expressed his disappointment with the way the media portrays him, and explained that he still strives for greatness even though it may bring negativity. It made for some compelling television, as Kimmel’s demo ratings hit an all-time high with Kanye’s appearance.
Watch Kanye West’s interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! above.

13. MC Lyte Receives the I Am Hip Hop Award at the BET Hip Hop Awards

MC Lyte received the I Am Hip Hop Award at this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards for her contributions to the genre and the culture at large. Releasing her first album Lyte as a Rock in 1988 at the age of 17, Lyte is considered a pioneer in hip-hop for opening doors for other female performers. MC Lyte became the eighth individual to receive the I Am Hip Hop Award, as well as the first female solo artist to earn the honor since the BET Hip Hop Awards began in 2006. An inspiration to many, Lyte explained during her acceptance speech that she hopes her legacy continues. "To all of the female MC’s who have come after me, keep the dream alive," she said. "I am with you."
Click here to watch MC Lyte receive the I Am Hip Hop Award.